“Eh, you’re not a fuck machine. I’m not normally anyone’s first choice for serious topics, but what can I say? It’s been a weird night. Maybe it would do both of us good to step outside our usual roles.”

If you dump your issues on her, you’ll never see her again. Nobody would be interested if they knew—

Trev decided to nutshell it. “Basically, my life’s been in a holding pattern since college, and I never got over my last breakup. I’m not happy, but I pretend otherwise. In short, I’m a colossal waste of oxygen, and my parents were right to give up on me.”

“Bullshit,” she said. “The last part anyway. I just met you, but I know you’re a good friend to Titus. And you’re…gentle. Not once tonight have you made me feel like you only care about getting sex. Honestly, you’re so nice that it’s throwing me a little.”

For a minute, he thought he might cry—beyond embarrassing. He closed his eyes briefly before responding, “Wow. Well, honestly, I was just so happy to be wanted…the whole night’s been like winning the lottery. The sex was fantastic, but I’m just…enjoying you. As much as I can before you realize you can do better.”

She smiled at him. “What if I never realize that? Will you date me?”

“Are you seriously asking?” Trev monitored her expression carefully, wondering if this was a joke.

“If I am?”

“Then yeah. I’d definitely see you again.”

“I’ll get your number in the morning. Would you hate me if I said I’m tired? I was all for going again, but the shower made me sleepy, and I have to be up early.”

Trev laughed at the amazing irony. “So you got us to hotel room to…cuddle?”

“Shut up,” she said. “Turn over. I’ll be the big spoon.”

Obediently, he rolled onto his other side, facing away, and she curled into his back. The feeling was…indescribable. Until this moment, he hadn’t realized how much he missed the warmth of someone snuggled up against him. When Leanne slid her arm around him, he put his hand over hers.

“I love this,” he mumbled.

“It’s not too late,” she said unexpectedly.

“What’s not?”

“To make some changes.” It seemed like she’d been contemplating his confession. “First, ask yourself what you want. That can be hard to figure out. Once you know, little steps will get you there eventually. Don’t give up, Trev. You can do anything you want.”

Nobody had ever said that to him. Not ever.

He fell asleep smiling.

Chapter 4

In the morning, Leanne woke up in Trev’s arms.